Characteristics and Outcomes of a Community Upper Limb Rehabilitation Group for Adult Stroke Survivors in Australia: A Pre-Post Cohort Study

Abstract

This study investigated outcomes of a community-based upper limb rehabilitation group for adult stroke survivors in metropolitan Australia. Pre-post data were extracted from medical records. Participants (n  =  27) were predominantly men (n = 22, 81%); mean age 61 years (SD 17) and median time 109 days post stroke. Participants improved on upper limb outcomes, with statistically significant changes on several of the items on the Motor Assessment Scale (item seven mean improvement 0.93 (95% CI 0.48-2.19), p = .016; item eight mean improvement 1.4 (95% CI 0.38-2.42), p = .016) and grip strength (mean improvement 4.5 kg/9 pounds, 14.73 ounces (95% CI 1.5-7.6), p = .006). These results guide occupational therapists implementing community-based upper limb rehabilitation groups.

Keywords:

• Arm
• hand
• occupational therapy
• rehabilitation
• stroke

Acknowledgement

Nil.

Declaration of interest

The authors have no conflict of interest to declare. This study received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors. Natasha A. Lannin (NAL) is supported by a Future Leader Fellowship (102055) from the National Heart Foundation of Australia.

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kylie English

Kylie English is an occupational therapist at Eastern Health, Melbourne, Australia.Bella Daley is an occupational therapist at St. Vincent’s Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.Liana Cahill is an occupational therapist and lecturer at Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Australia.Enwu Liu is a senior research fellow at Australian Catholic University.Natasha Lannin is an occupational therapist and professor at Alfred Health and Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.Anne Baker is an occupational therapist and lecturer at Federation University, Gippsland, Australia.